NEWPORT is blooming after the business association successfully planted over 2,500 bee and butterfly friendly plants at the railway station.

Newport Business Association (NBA) adopted the station from National Express East Anglia (NXEA) in November 2010. They have spent the last eight months clearing, landscaping and planting herbs and plants at the station, all donated by local community groups, businesses and schools.

Jeremy Rose, founder of NBA, was delighted to see so much progress.

“The Newport railway station initiative has been developed from a group of businesses wanting to create a bee and butterfly friendly habitat for wild life. We have improved the environment in the whole area around the station by involving local schools and businesses, creating a wonderful space around the station.

NXEA area manager Alan Neville said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response from the local community who have helped us all achieve our goals.

“Everyone appreciates the hard work that has been put into achieving this transformation led by the NBA, their helpers and NXEA management. Change has been driven in the community in the most amazing and unique way.”

Hugh Guntrip, Ridgeons Saffron Walden branch manager, commented: “We were delighted to be able to get involved and help with such an inspired community project as this.

“Ridgeons, this year, celebrates its 100th birthday and supporting this project provides us with the opportunity to give something back to the local community and thank everyone for their support over the years.”

After removing 11 tons of rubbish with all of the community lending a hand, NBA have re-landscaped the area for all to use and share. NBA members, with help from Essex Probation Service teams, have planted over 2,500 plants and herbs, reviving a bee and butterfly friendly habitat to be maintained for the community.

However, they have not stopped there and they now need a “handyman” team who can help the community maintain the herbal beds and wild flower areas, as well as putting up hanging baskets in the spring.

NBA members would specifically like to thank Steve Todd, a local businessman from Newport, for providing two large green planters which were successfully placed at the station, creating a colourful flower display at the station.

If you would like to donate plants and herbs, sponsor or donate funds to buy wild flowers or even help in our community railway group, then contact Jeremy Rose on 01799 541114 or jeremy@c-lutions.co.uk